College of Arts and Sciences
Biology (Ph.D.)
College of Arts and Sciences
Biology (Ph.D.)
Advance Science. Shape Ecosystems. — Earn Your Ph.D. in Biology at NMSU.
The Ph.D. in Biology at NMSU is a research-intensive, milestone-driven doctoral program built for scholars who aspire to lead biological inquiry and innovation. Offering formal coursework and significant research experiences, the program allows specialization in areas such as behavioral, ecological and evolutionary biology, cell and organismal biology, and microbiology. With seminars, publications, and your own dissertation research, you will build the expertise, independence, and leadership skills to advance science and influence real-world outcomes.
Admission Deadlines
September 1 for spring admission and December 15 for fall admission.
- Total course hours: 66
- Total dissertation credits: 18
Delivery Format
In-person
Career Pathways
A Ph.D. in Biology from NMSU prepares you for advanced roles where research, leadership, and expertise intersect. Possible career paths include:
- University professor or principal investigator leading laboratory or field research
- Research scientist or senior scholar at national laboratories, governmental research agencies, or biotechnology firms
- Director of conservation, ecology, or environmental programs working across public and private sectors
- Specialist in molecular biology, cell biology, or microbiology guiding innovation in biotech or pharma
- Science policy advisor or research consultant shaping environmental or biological systems globally
Degree questions, answered
Have questions about the Doctor of Philosophy in Astronomy? Fill out our inquiry form.
Why choose a Ph.D., in Biology at NMSU?
Opting for NMSU’s Ph.D. in Biology means joining a program that emphasizes both rigorous scholarship and real-world relevance. With access to research funding opportunities, extensive lab and field infrastructure, collaborative advising, and a departmental culture of innovation and mentorship, you’ll be positioned to publish, present, and lead in your chosen area of biology. The program’s small size ensures personalized support and faster progress toward your goals.
No GRE Required
We’re removing barriers to graduate education, which is why we don’t require the GRE.
NMSU's Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Biology requires at least 66 course credits, plus research and dissertation credits. Key requirements include core courses like BIOL 510: Current Topics in Biology, BIOL 540: Science and Ethics, and a minimum of 15 credits from BIOL courses numbered 450 or above. Additionally, students must demonstrate competency in computer tools or a second language and complete a dissertation based on original research.
Our goal is to prepare students for careers in the various fields in biology through formal coursework and research experiences as well as through seminars and discussion groups. PHD students can choose among the Department's three areas of emphasis:
- Behavioral, Ecological and Evolutionary Biology
The Behavioral, Ecological and Evolutionary Biology program is appropriate for graduate students who wish to specialize in areas of biology that study the various processes that encompass the behavior, ecology, and evolution of living and extinct taxa. - Cell and Organismal Biology
The Cell and Organismal Biology program is appropriate for all Graduate students who wish to emphasize those areas of biology that integrate function and structure in cells, tissues, and organisms. This emphasis focuses in faculty areas of expertise in cell and molecular biology, neurobiology, developmental biology, and physiology. - Microbiology
The Microbiology curriculum is appropriate for graduate students who wish to specialize in areas of biology that study the various processes that occur in microbes (bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protists) such as their physiology, ecology, development or evolution.
Take classes like:
- BIOL 510 – Current Topics in Biology
- BIOL 540 – Science and Ethics
- BIOL 479 - Medical Microbiology
- BIOL 510 – Current Topics in Biology
GPA: A minimum GPA of 3.0 is required for admission.
Prerequisites: A bachelor's degree from an accredited institution is required.
Application: The application includes a personal statement, CV or resume, transcripts, and three letters of recommendation.
Ready to take the next step?
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Scholarships and Financial Aid
At NMSU, we strive to offer competitively priced tuition to keep your tuition costs affordable. If you need financial aid, we’re ready to work with you to determine the best ways to finance your education.
Financial assistance includes loans, grants, and scholarship opportunities. To apply, use NMSU’s convenient Scholar Dollar$ one-stop scholarship application, which serves all students in the NMSU system.
NMSU students are also eligible for loans and grants. The first step in applying for financial aid is to complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Learn more about financial aid opportunities at NMSU.
Contact Financial Aid
Phone: 1-888-729-6678
Email: financialaid@nmsu.edu
Accreditation
New Mexico State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Specialized accreditation from other accrediting agencies is also granted for some programs. NMSU’s accreditation ensures that your education meets high-quality standards and that your credits are transferable.